Darlington supersub Mark Sheeran will be reflecting on a fairytale home debut as he cleans the terraces this morning.

Newcastle-born Sheeran, a third-year YTS, came off the bench to rescue Quakers and turn the jeers of the Feethams crowd into a victory celebration in eight minutes.

And if it wasn't for an assistant's flag, the 19-year-old would have been celebrating a hat-trick but his diving header was disallowed.

Quakers needed salvation as they trailed 2-1 to a slicker side and the heavy schedule of four games in eight days appeared to be taking its toll.

But Sheeran provided it and Darlington's fans were singing his praises.

Darlington manager Tommy Taylor said: "A fan asked me where we signed Mark from and I told him Mothercare.

"He might not be the biggest centre forward, but he's ever so bright and he made two good runs for his goals. He was upset his third didn't count, but he had a debut to remember." Sheeran may face competition for a regular place in the starting line up, because Taylor hopes to sign striker Michael Proctor from Sunderland.

"I've had a meeting with Peter Reid, and hopefully we've sorted something out. It's down to Bob Murray to let us speak to the player. Our chairman, George Reynolds, has given the deal the all-clear, so hopefully we might have something sorted by Saturday."

He said: "Neil has played four games in a week and that is a lot to ask of him and the other players."

Sheeran was delighted with his home debut after making just two substitute appearances away from home. "The manager just told me to go out and get a goal. I couldn't believe it when I scored my second, and I had to ask Richard Hodgson if I'd really scored.

"To get on the field was a bonus, because I didn't even think I'd get on the bench.

"It was a great feeling to hear 2,000 fans singing my name."

Luton took the lead after 13 minutes, when former Hartlepool striker Steve Howard headed in a corner from Frenchman Jean Louis Valois.